"His research already shows promising results from the feed additives such as biochar, zeolite and benetenoite in trapping ammonia and phosphorus," he said.

"He is also producing benefits for bird growth and weight gains, by as much as 11% compared to the control feed.

"The birds feeding on feed additives such as biochar are considered 'double green', on the premise that these additives minimise loss of ammonia and ammonium from poultry litters which otherwise cause environmental problems."

Dr Bhattarai said the current carbon footprint of the poultry industry in Australia was equivalent to annual emissions of 666 kilotons.

"If biochar is added to the feed at 4% by the entire industry, 84 kilotons of biochar will be amended in the litter that will potentially be responsible for trapping about 252 ton of carbon dioxide equivalent if applied to the farming," he said.